Tea Pots

This body of work is inspired by traditional Japanese teapots known as kyūsu. While "kyūsu" generally refers to a teapot with a side handle, it simply means "teapot" in Japanese. While researching this piece, I encountered many video articles featuring highly skilled Japanese artists who have dedicated years to mastering the craft of teapot making. Although I may not possess the same level of expertise, I wanted to challenge myself to create these intricate pieces. Historically, kyūsu were crafted using hand-building techniques, but many artists have also adopted the pottery wheel over time. I aimed to engage in throwing each component on the wheel, ultimately assembling them with the intention of functionality.

Each teapot is individually thrown using various techniques, including throwing off the hump for the handles and spouts. The vessels are constructed from iron-speckled stoneware and glazed to replicate a Shino appearance. The design features simple silhouettes of the teapots, which are rounded in nature and feature minimal surface decoration. They are also inspired by various glazing techniques, intentionally leaving some internal areas unglazed. This practice, commonly seen in the creation of kyūsu teapots, helps enhance the flavors of the tea by allowing the liquid to interact with the raw clay body.